Vernon E Wagner

The Honorable Vernon E. Wagner, 89, Bismarck, ND, passed away on May 31, 2016, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Home in Bismarck. Funeral services will be held 10:30 am, Friday, June 3, 2016, at Zion Lutheran Church, 413 Avenue D East, Bismarck, with the Rev. Thomas R. Marcis, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 7:00pm Thursday June 2, 2016, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, ND. Vernon was born at Golden Valley, ND, to Alex R & Kate (Miller) Wagner on June 13, 1926. He went to school in Halliday & Golden Valley, ND and graduated from NDSU with a degree in Pharmacy in 1948. Vernon was employed by Service Drug until 1954 and became the managing partner at the Clinic Pharmacy until 1967. He then went to work for the North Dakota Medical Association and retired as the Executive Director in 1994. Vernon was very passionate about serving in his community. He served as a board member, President, or Chairman for the Bismarck Jaycees, North Dakota Jaycees, ND Heart Association, ND Pharmaceutical Association, ND Easter Seal Society, Bismarck Chamber of Commerce, ND Community Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Heartview Foundation, and the Protection & Advocacy Project. In the political arena, Vernon served as the ND Republican Party Secretary, served in the House of Representatives for 20 years, Chairman of the Appropriations Committee for 3 Sessions, Speaker of the House, and the Chairman of the Legislators Compensation Commission. Additionally, he served on staff for Governor Ed Schafer and Senate Members. As a family man, he was the best! He was always willing to give guidance, love, and support. His motto was “I will live until I die” and that he did. Vernon is survived by his son Chris (Kelly) Wagner; his grandchildren Caitlin Wagner, Leah (Sam) Melquist; his great-grandchildren, Charlie, Oliver, and Kadynn Melquist, and Leslie “Vern’s Girl” Gaska. Vernon was preceded in death by his three brothers, Roland, Norman, Robert; and his parents. Honorary Pallbearers will be his closest friends that he has maintained over many years: the Krolls Krew (a.k.a. the Doublewood Lottery Pool), the Minerva’s Marauders, and the Gin Rummy Gang, to mention a few. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be given to the Vernon E. Wagner Endowment (memo line), UND Foundation, 3501 University Ave. Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58012-8157 or the Zion Lutheran Foundation, 413 East Ave D, Bismarck, ND, 58501. The family of Vernon E. Wagner wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff on 3rd floor Telemetry CHI St. Alexius Hospital and our new friends at Missouri Slope Lutheran Home.